Kochi | A case has been registered against a government doctor for allegedly prescribing an excessive dose of medicine to a six-month-old infant after immunisation, following which the child fell seriously ill, police said on Sunday.

The Aluva police registered the case against a woman doctor attached to the Aluva Government District Hospital based on a complaint filed by the infant's father on Saturday.

According to police, the child was administered an immunisation vaccine at the hospital in April this year.

To prevent fever following the vaccination, the doctor allegedly prescribed liquid paracetamol in a quantity beyond the recommended dosage, the complaint alleged.

Police said the infant fell seriously ill after being administered the medicine and was admitted to a private hospital in Aluva, where the child underwent treatment for five days.

The complainant alleged that the treatment cost the family around Rs 80,000.

Police said a case has been registered under Section 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for a negligent act endangering human life or personal safety.

Officials said the investigation would include an examination of the child's medical records with the assistance of medical experts.

The doctor's statement will also be recorded as part of the probe, they added.